Storage Device for Puzzles

ABSTRACT

An example storage device for a puzzle, the storage device can include: a main portion positioned to provide a working surface for the puzzle; a cover portion positioned to cover the main portion to secure the puzzle; a hinge portion coupled to the main portion and the cover portion to allow the cover portion to move relative to the main portion between a closed position and an open position; and an inner border portion coupled to and extending from the main portion, wherein the inner border portion maintains the puzzle within the storage device.

BACKGROUND

Putting puzzles together has long been a favorite pastime for both youngand old alike. The problem with putting puzzles together is that oftentimes a person does not have a spare table or workspace to store ituntil he or she comes back to continue working on the puzzle. This isespecially true for people who live in small apartments with limitedspace.

SUMMARY

Examples described herein relate to a storage device used for working onand storing partially-complete puzzles. In these examples, the storagedevice can create one or more of the following: 1) provide a workspacefor putting the puzzle together; and 2) provide a safe way to store theunfinished puzzle and loose puzzle pieces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an example storage device for a puzzle in theclosed, unsecured position.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the storage device in the open position,showing a workspace of the storage device.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the storage device showing apartially-complete puzzle, loose puzzle pieces, and picture of thepuzzle clipped to the cover portion of the storage device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the storage device showing a partially-completepuzzle, loose puzzle pieces, and picture of the puzzle clipped to thecover portion of the storage device.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the closed storage device showing the elasticsecurement which secures the storage device from opening, and whichholds the partially-complete and loose puzzle pieces from coming apartor falling out of the storage device.

FIG. 6 shows a view of the example storage device of FIG. 1 in the openposition being used by a user.

FIG. 7 shows another view of the example storage device of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 shows another view of the example storage device of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9 shows an example view of a puzzle box with the example storagedevice of FIG. 6 attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a storage device used forworking on and storing partially-complete puzzles.

In the example shown, the storage device is made of a foam board whichmeasures anywhere from 21″×21″ for a 500-piece puzzle to 20″×25″ for a750-piece puzzle, with a thickness of about 3/16 of an inch. The storagedevice may also be made of other materials (e.g., cardboard or plastic)and can be smaller or larger for smaller or larger puzzles.

FIG. 1 shows the storage device 100 in the closed, unsecured position.In such a position, a cover portion 110 is folded to engage a mainportion 120 of the storage device 100 to secure a puzzle within thestorage device 100, as described below.

FIG. 2 is an open view of the storage device 100 showing the coverportion 110 being opened relative to the main portion 120 along aperforated fold portion 130. FIG. 2 also shows an inner border portion140 adhered to main portion 120. The inner border portion 140 functionsto maintain the partially-complete puzzle and puzzle pieces fromescaping the storage device 100 while working on it or while in theclosed position. More specifically, the inner border portion 140 extendsfrom the main portion 120 and functions to stop the puzzle andindividual pieces of the puzzle from falling from the main portion 120.The inner border portion 140 further functions to engage the coverportion 110 when closed to form a cavity between the main portion, theinner border portion 140, and the cover portion to hold the puzzleduring storage.

FIGS. 3-4 show an open view of the storage device 100 showing the mainportion 120 being used as a workspace for putting the puzzle together.This workspace takes the place of a table and is portable at any timeduring the puzzle-making process. FIGS. 3-4 also show a puzzle picture150 clipped to the cover portion 110. Displaying the puzzle picture 150while working on the puzzle is convenient and takes up no extraworkspace, contrary to displaying the puzzle's box top which requiresmore workspace and tends to tip over.

FIGS. 3-4 further show the main portion 120 displaying apartially-complete puzzle 160 and loose puzzle pieces 170, all keptneatly inside the inner border portion 140, while working on the puzzle.

FIG. 5 shows the storage device 100 in the closed, secured position,held together by an elastic securement 180. The elastic securement 180and border portion 140 are what keep the partially-complete puzzle 160and loose puzzle pieces 170 from falling out of the storage device 100when moved or during storage. This border portion 140 can be on the mainportion 120, the cover portion 110, and/or both portions 110, 120 (seeFIGS. 6-9 , wherein the border portion 140 is located on both portions110, 120 and is positioned to close in an overlapping arrangement tomaintain the puzzle pieces within the storage device 100). Morespecifically, the elastic securement 180 functions to hold the coverportion 110 closed relative to the main portion 120. The elasticsecurement 180 can be slipped off the cover portion 110 and the mainportion 120 to gain access to the puzzle contained within the storagedevice 100. Other mechanisms can be used to secure the cover portion 110to the main portion 120, such as a clasp or other locking device.

FIGS. 6-9 show additional views of the storage device 100 in use andcoupled to a box of the puzzle. Many other configurations are possible.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage device for a puzzle, the storage device comprising: a main portion positioned to provide a working surface for the puzzle; a cover portion positioned to cover the main portion to secure the puzzle; a hinge portion coupled to the main portion and the cover portion to allow the cover portion to move relative to the main portion between a closed position and an open position; and an inner border portion coupled to and extending from the main portion, wherein the inner border portion maintains the puzzle within the storage device.
 2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the inner border portion is positioned on both the main portion and the cover portion.
 3. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the cover portion is configured to hold a puzzle picture.
 4. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a securement mechanism positioned to hold the storage device in the closed position. 